TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Lowdown
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is an annual race in Toronto, Canada, featuring marathon, half marathon, and 5K events. Recognized as Canada's premier running event, it serves as the grand finale of the Canada Running Series and has hosted the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships since 2017. The 2025 races are scheduled for October 18 (5K) and October 19 (marathon and half marathon). The event is committed to sustainability, achieving Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport in 2023.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
CN Tower
Iconic 553m-high observation and communications tower.
Union Station
Toronto’s main transit hub and historic railway station.
Harbourfront Centre
Cultural venue on the waterfront with arts and events.
Queen's Quay Terminal
Historic waterfront building with shops and residences.
Nathan Phillips Square
Public plaza home to Toronto’s City Hall and the famous Toronto sign.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Marathon participants: Minimum age of 18 years on race day.
- Half Marathon participants: Minimum age of 16 years on race day.
- 5K participants: Open to all ages; children under 12 should run with an adult over 18.
- Registration: Completion of official registration process.
- Event waiver: Signed agreement to event terms and conditions.
- Compliance: Adherence to event rules and regulations.
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of registration confirmation
- Accreditation documentation for service animals
- Documentation for support persons
- Completed event waiver
- Proof of age for age-restricted events
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Non-Refundable and Non-Deferrable: Registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to future events.
Enhanced Refund Protection: Participants may opt to purchase third-party Enhanced Refund Protection during registration, which covers specific circumstances such as injury or illness. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the qualifying event or the race date, whichever comes first.
Transfer Process: Participants can transfer their entry to another individual online until Thursday, October 17, at midnight. After this deadline, transfers must be completed in person at the Race Expo on October 18-19.
Fees and Limitations: Each registration is limited to one transfer, and a transfer fee of $10 (plus HST and processing fees) applies. The new participant will be charged the current registration fee during the transfer process.
Official Platform: All transfers must be conducted through the official Race Roster platform to ensure secure and legitimate processing.
The course finishes along the waterfront with sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, passing landmarks such as Lake Shore Boulevard and the Princes' Gates.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a robust post-race zone with food, refreshments and a beer garden for eligible participants.
Race weekend features a large race expo with exhibitors and gear, elite-athlete sessions and a kids/fun run to engage families and youth.
Aid stations are positioned roughly every 2.5–3 km offering water, electrolyte drink and gels, with medical tents at the finish and key course locations; participants are strongly advised to use public transit due to limited parking and road closures.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.